This week, Hood Critic Magazine interviews Staten Island native JopauL. He is a gifted songwriter, in-demand rapper, performer and choreographer who is extremely energetic and dedicated when it comes to making fun upbeat songs and portraying having a great time while enjoying life. Here’s what he had to say.
HCM. When did you first discover your love for music?
I’ve always had a love for music probably stemming from my parents putting headphones on my mother’s pregnant belly, while my twin brother and I were still in the womb. Music is my biggest passion. I always surrounded myself with people who were in the music industry on some level and will continue to so until the day I no longer exist. I live for this!
HCM. What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I always like to be creative & be the center of attention. I channeled this creativity in the form of lyrics with my writing. So, I entered & won a poetry/lyric contest when I was in junior high. It was at that moment I decided I needed to be a part of this music world and nothing was going to stop me from doing so.
HCM. What musical influences did you listen to growing up helped to mold you into the artist you are today?
I was exposed to all walks of life with music genres and the best influence I would have to say would be (The Beatles & Wu-Tang), I know that’s a pretty odd mix but their messages help me a lot when I am writing.
HCM. Your new album “Time Of My Life” has been making waves across the country…How did you come up with the concept for this project?
When Domwan first discovered me and took an interest in my music, life started to finally make sense. I was having fun while making every record on this album. The concept was all about fun and of course some storytelling, but In one sentence I wrote” If You Please Excuse Me, I’m Just Having The Time Of My Life Now” that summed it up. For me, it means that music has the ability to create the best moments of all of our lives.
HCM. What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
My biggest break thus far was when I signed my deal with Domwan Entertainment. To work with a producer of his stature throughout the album was just incredible. He gave me the greatest opportunity of my life because now it gives me a platform to deliver my music worldwide.
HCM. If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would it be?
The only thing I would change about the music industry is to provide a greater platform for independent artists to be heard and critiqued on a global level without them needing an extremely high budget to do so.
HCM. What image do you think your music conveys and why did you choose this type of image for your music?
My music is a nonstop roller coaster from every level of the spectrum of the party life atmosphere. My music conveys having fun, dancing your ass off, and just enjoying your life. I chose that direction because people are always busy and stressed out so they need to just chill out, relax, and enjoy their lives. I believe my music will do that for people.
HCM. What are your plans for the near future and where can new fans of your music find or contact you?
My debut album “Time Of My Life” drops on Oct 30th and I plan to visit all the areas where my music is being played and interact with my fans and DJ’s on a very personal level. I’m really looking forward to upcoming performances that management is working on. I’m really into social media, it plays a huge factor in connecting to these fans and I look forward to traveling the world to meet everyone who appreciates my music. So all you fans out there, please get at me on all my social media networks @iamjopaul
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